Review: Rachael Sage, “New Destination”

“Rachael Sage’s new four song EP, New Destination, has lush layers of keyboards, drums and more, topped with her emotional vocals in songs that feel like chapters in a well-written story.”

Artist: Rachael Sage

EP: New Destination

Genre: Pop / Rock

RIYL: Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Metric

Rachael Sage’s new four song EP, New Destination, has lush layers of keyboards, drums and more, topped with her emotional vocals in songs that feel like chapters in a well-written story. Polished and loaded with dynamics, as her releases always are, but still with an emotional honesty that comes when a song is first written, when that first tear is shed, when that first inkling of hope is felt. She’s been compared to other keyboard playing songstresses like Kate Bush and Tori Amos and while I can hear glimpses of them, she presents something unique. Although Rachael’s one of the best known indie pop singer-songwriters around, it’s a wonder her songs aren’t in everyone’s ears.

The title cut crashes right in with big drums, an insistent bass and a chorus so singable, it’ll echo in your brain for a long time. It’s a positive message so it’s a good one to have in there. “Wax” starts quieter with a thoughtful cello, and increases in intensity. In it she sings: “If you break one heart, it’ll boomerang back / Where was I when they taught that lesson?” There’s a whole list of lessons missed, a mistake we all make when we’re in that la-la land of new relationships.

“Misery’s Grace” was written after the end of the relationship. Putting it in waltz time makes it more emotional, like a lullaby sung to herself. She sings it with a sob in her voice, too, and with the accompaniment of guitar and cello. Beautiful. And lest you think you know where this relationship story is going, guess again. In “Not Leaving You,” she tells us she’s not going anywhere. “I’m not leaving you” she sings like a mantra, with the melody jumping up a few steps to a high note at the end of that phrase, a little airier than the others, like she’s not sure. Just like life. We make up our minds but sometimes, there’s that little tug of doubt.